Posted By Lindsay Jones On February 25, 2010 @ 9:42 am In General Broncos | No Comments

DENVER — As Broncos star receiver Brandon Marshall’s name continues to pop up in witness testimony at the Willie Clark murder trial, here is one thing that is important to remember:

While using the word “star” to describe Marshall now is entirely accurate and appropriate, it wouldn’t have been back on Dec. 31, 2006.

At the time, Marshall was 22 years old and had just played the final game of his rookie year. He caught only 20 passes and two touchdowns that season. The Broncos’ star receivers at the time were Rod Smith and Javon Walker.

While Marshall’s physical stature – at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds –certainly makes him stand out in the crowd, he was hardly recognizable on the level that is he today, after three straight 100-catch seasons and back-to-back Pro Bowls.

According to several witnesses, Marshall and especially his cousin from Pittsburgh, Blair Clark, were part of the confrontation that preceeded the murder of Darrent Williams. Witnesses have said Blair Clark sprayed a bottle of champagne at midnight on New Years Eve, angering some gang members who were also at a party at The Shelter nightclub. Witnesses said Blair Clark and Marshall also engaged in a verbal argument with Willie Clark and Daniel “Ponytail” Harris. Prosecutor Bruce Levin, in his opening statement on Tuesday, said Marshall “disrespected” Willie Clark when he “palmed” Clark’s head outside the club.